Using virtual humans to improve clinical trial participation among older minority adults

Tailoring Recruitment Communication using Virtual Human Technology to Increase Participation of Older Minority Adults in Clinical Trials

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · NIH-11021145

This study is looking to make it easier for older adults from minority backgrounds to join clinical trials by using friendly technology to create communication that feels more relatable and trustworthy, so we can better understand their health needs.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Jacksonville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11021145 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance participation of older minority adults in clinical trials by utilizing Virtual Human Technology (VHT) to create culturally sensitive communication strategies. The project will involve focus groups with older adult minorities to gather insights that will help redesign communication tools to be more relatable and trustworthy. By addressing barriers such as mistrust and lack of cultural sensitivity, the research seeks to foster a more inclusive environment for clinical trial participation. Ultimately, the goal is to increase the representation of older minority adults in clinical research, which is crucial for developing effective health interventions tailored to their needs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults from minority backgrounds, specifically Black/African American, Hispanic/Latinx, or rural individuals aged 50 and above.

Not a fit: Patients who are not from minority backgrounds or those under the age of 50 may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to increased participation of older minority adults in clinical trials, resulting in more effective and culturally relevant healthcare solutions.

How similar studies have performed: While culturally tailored interventions have shown promise in other contexts, this specific approach using Virtual Human Technology to increase clinical trial participation among older minority adults is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Jacksonville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.